A New Beginning for Affected Communities
In Valencia, the response to the devastating floods has found a collective voice. Three months after the damage, the Local Emergency and Reconstruction Committees have emerged as platforms for community action, driven by the Coordinator of Collectives of the Alcosa Park, in Alfafar. This initiative seeks to unite residents, organizations and local authorities in a coordinated and effective response.
The Need for Community Action
The inactivity of the administrations has left a void that these committees want to fill. With a focus on active participation, a structure is proposed that includes residents, health professionals, teachers, local businesses and city councils. The goal is to design an emergency plan that prioritizes the local economy as the basis for reconstruction.
Empowerment as the Key to Success
The members of the Coordinator emphasize that only through the direct involvement of the community will the necessary reconstruction be possible. The first meetings have generated notable interest, with more than a hundred attendees in the first two plenary sessions.
Deconstruct to Rebuild
Rut Moyano, from the Benetússer Local Committee, highlights that reconstruction is not limited to repairing damage, but involves a profound reevaluation of existing models in the face of climate change. The idea of deconstructing to reconstruct is fundamental, according to her, to face new environmental challenges.
The Social Economy as an Engine of Change
Another pillar of the proposal is the promotion of the social and solidarity economy, which can generate employment in a sustainable way. Toni Valero stresses the importance of creating cooperatives and local initiatives to provide stable income to those who have lost their jobs.
Distrust in Administrations
The lack of institutional support is a growing concern. Raül Camacho, from the Catarroja Local Committee, points out that the population feels disillusioned with administrative management and looks to the committees for new hope. Housing is becoming a hot topic, with many families without adequate housing solutions.
Criticisms of Resource Management
Andrea Castillejo, from Parke-Alfafar, denounces that the authorities have not addressed the specific needs of the population, leaving many homes in precarious conditions. Neighbors have been forced to manage the cleaning of their spaces, since government aid is not arriving.
Health and Psychological Consequences
The effects of the disaster are still visible and public health is threatened. Pepa Segarra, from Albal, expresses her concern about air quality and the health risks arising from the accumulation of waste. Mental health is also a key aspect, with many people experiencing stress and anxiety.
The Importance of Collective Action
The committees aim to foster a space of emotional support for those affected. The community has demonstrated great resilience and organizational capacity in the face of institutional inaction, as Valero points out.
An Uncertain but Hopeful Future
The voices of the community resonate with renewed determination. The key question is how to move forward: whether to restore the past or build a more resilient future. As the committees move forward, their mission is clear: to empower the community and create an environment where dignity and solidarity are the foundations of reconstruction.